New Zealand clinch U-18 women's softball series against Australia in Brisbane

The New Zealand U-18 Women’s National Softball Team (Junior White Sox) secured a 3–1 series victory over Australia during a four-game international series in Brisbane, closing out a successful 10-day tour with a 3–1 win on Sunday.

The Junior White Sox have wrapped up their Australia tour with a series win over the Australia U-18 women's side, a performance head coach Dave Elder says shows the group is ready for what comes next. 

“I’m excited to see what these girls can do next,” head coach Dave Elder said. “Not just the girls staying in the squad, because there’s a lot of talent in there, but the girls moving forward. I’m excited for New Zealand softball... these girls have been developed to this level, that whatever happens from now is in their hands.” 

The Junior White Sox have had a busy schedule here in Brisbane, playing three warm up games before competing in the U-23 Women's Australian National Championships. The side completed their tour with four international games against Australia – winning three from four. 

“This has not been a normal thing for New Zealand softball, to be coming up and beating Australia and playing at that level,” added Elder. “Our girls play for everybody and it means a lot, it really does...They want people to be proud of them, not just because of what they’ve achieved, but because they did it for them and with them.”

New Zealand grabbed Game 1, 8-0, on Friday 19 December; splitting a doubleheader on Saturday, losing 7-6 and winning 6-3. The final game of the 10-day tour was a 3-1 victory for the Junior White Sox on Sunday. 

“Playing international games is incredibly important for us,” Elder said, adding that ranking points only come from international games. “Australia is clearly our nearest neighbour. The more often we play [games] like this, the more often we get ranking points, the easier it is for us to qualify for World Cups.”